Four Chinese designs in pipeline

China Gold released details in March of the latest commemorative coins issued by the People’s Bank of China. The series celebrates four different auspicious aspects of Chinese culture in gold and silver proof pairs. The pairs are being released progressively over four months.

The five are health, wealth, long life, virtue and a peaceful death. These are symbolized on the coin’s reverses as five bats – a visual pun. These accompany a peach of longevity and the Chinese character for longevity “shou,” set against a background of auspicious clouds. The ¥10 was minted by Shenzhen Guobao Mint; the ¥80 at Shenyang Mint. The pair were issued on March 22.

Next came “gua die mian mian.” This is a wish for “bountiful offspring who flourish like strong plants.” The reverse depicts fruitful gourd vines attracting a pair of butterflies. Floral designs fill the background. The ¥10 was minted by Shanghai Mint; the ¥80 at Shenzhen Guobao Mint. The pair were issued on April 20.

“Bing di tong xin” is all about a loving relationship. The saying translates as “twin lotus flowers on one stalk – a devoted couple with one heart.” The reverse depicts a pair of Mandarin ducks with entwined necks. Twin lotus flowers are below. Both coins are appropriately heart-shaped. Both were struck at Shenyang Mint. The pair will be issued on May 18.

Pragmatism rules with the fourth and final pair. “Nian nian you yu” asks that “every year ends with a plentiful surplus.” The symbolism here is all about traditional China and the customary way: a bouncing baby girl raises a lotus flower on high.

She is accompanied by a leaping carp with auspicious waves and clouds occupying the background. Both coins were struck at Shenzhen Guobao Mint. The pair will be issued on June 19.

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